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Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Daily Digest

HIGHLIGHTS

The House passed H.R. 975, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act.

[Page: D258]   GPO's PDF

Senate

Chamber Action

Routine Proceedings, pages S3913-S4042

Measures Introduced: Fourteen bills and one resolution were introduced, as follows: S. 656-669, and S. Con. Res. 24.

Pages S3993-94

Measures Reported:

S. 164, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the life of Cesar Estrada Chavez and the farm labor movement, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 108-20)
S. 212, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the High Plains States in conducting a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, modeling and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 108-21)
S. 220, to reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Illinois. (S. Rept. No. 108-22)
S. 278, to make certain adjustments to the boundaries of the Mount Naomi Wilderness Area. (S. Rept. No. 108-23)
S. 328, to designate Catoctin Mountain Park in the State of Maryland as the `` Catoctin Mountain National Recreation Area'', with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 108-24)
S. 347, to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a joint special resources study to evaluate the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Rim of the Valley Corridor as a unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 108-25)
S. 425, to revise the boundary of the Wind Cave National Park in the Sate of South Dakota. (S. Rept. No. 108-26)
H.R. 397, to reinstate and extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project in the State of Illinois. (S. Rept. No. 108-27)

Page S3993

Measures Passed:

Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act: Senate passed S. 153, to amend title 18, United States Code, to establish penalties for aggravated identity theft.

Pages S4031-32

Keeping Children and Families Safe Act: Senate passed S. 342, to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to make improvements to and reauthorize programs under that Act.

Pages S4032-40

Congressional Budget Resolution: Senate continued consideration of S. Con. Res. 23, setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2004 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2003 and for fiscal years 2005 through 2013, taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto:

Pages S3913-87

Adopted:
Nickles (for Graham (SC)) Modified Amendment No. 274, to express the sense of the Senate regarding the urgent need for legislation to ensure the long term viability of the Social Security program.

Pages S3931, S3935-48

By 52 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 59), Boxer Amendment No. 272, to prevent consideration of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in a fast-track budget reconciliation bill.

Pages S3914-30, S3931-35, S3948-54

Rejected:
Murray Amendment No. 284, to fully fund the No Child Left Behind Act in 2004 and reduce debt by reducing tax breaks for the wealthiest taxpayers. (By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 60), Senate tabled the amendment.)

Pages S3955-64D259

Withdrawn:

[Page: D259]   GPO's PDF

Nickles (for Graham (SC)) Amendment No. 279, to express the sense of the Senate regarding the urgent need for legislation to ensure the long term viability of the Social Security program.

Pages S3930-31

Pending:
Kyl Modified Amendment No. 288, to provide financial security to family farm and small business owners by ending the unfair practice of taxing someone at death.

Pages S3966-73

Dorgan Amendment No. 294, to provide a meaningful prescription drug benefit in Medicare that is available to all beneficiaries.

Pages S3973-79

Rockefeller Amendment No. 275, to express the sense of the Senate concerning State fiscal relief.

Pages S3979-87

A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached providing that at 4 p.m., on Thursday, March 20, 2003, Senate proceed to a series of votes in relation to the following amendments: Kyl Modified Amendment No. 288, Dorgan Amendment No. 294, and Rockefeller Amendment No. 275 (all listed above), and that there be no second degree amendments in order prior to the votes.

Page S3987

A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing for further consideration of the resolution at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 20, 2003; provided further that there be 14\1/2\ hours left for debate on the resolution with 6\1/2\ hours remaining under the control of the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget and 8 hours remaining under the control of the Ranking Member.

Page S4041

Messages From the President: Senate received the following messages from the President of the United States:
Transmitting, pursuant to law, a periodic report on the National Emergency with Respect to National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) declared in Executive Order 12865 of September 26, 1993; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (PM-25)

Page S3991

Transmitting, pursuant to section 5 of the Oceans Act of 2000, the first biennial Federal Ocean and Coastal Activities Report; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (PM-26)

Page S3991

Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the participation of the United States in the United Nations and its affiliated agencies during calendar year 2001; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (PM-27)

Page S3991

Appointments:

Library of Congress Trust Fund Board: The Chair, on behalf of the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Democratic Leader, pursuant to Public Law 68-541, as amended by Public Law 102-246, reappointed John W. Kluge, of New York, as a member of the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board for a term of five years.

Page S4040

John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development: The Chair, on behalf of the Majority Leader, pursuant to Public Law 100-458, reappointed William E. Cresswell, of Mississippi, to the Board of Trustees of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development, for a six-year term, commencing on October 11, 2002.

Page S4040

Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China: The Chair, on behalf of the President of the Senate, and after consultation with the Majority Leader, pursuant to Public Law 106-286, appointed the following Members to serve on the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China: Senators Brownback, Smith, Thomas, Roberts, and Hagel (Chairman).

Page S4040

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki): The Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, pursuant to Public Law 94-304, as amended by Public Law 99-7, appointed the following Senators as members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki) during the 108th Congress: Senators Brownback, Smith, Hutchison, and Chambliss.

Page S4040

Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations:
Emil H. Frankel, of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation.
Mark V. Rosenker, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2005.
Richard F. Healing, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2006.
Robert A. Sturgell, of Maryland, to be Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Jeffrey Shane, of the District of Columbia, to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy. (New Position)
Ellen G. Engleman, of Indiana, to be Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term of two years.
Ellen G. Engleman, of Indiana, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2007.
Charles E. McQueary, of North Carolina, to be Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security. (New Position)
Routine lists in the Coast Guard, Foreign Service.

Pages S4040-41, S4042

Nominations Received: Senate received the following nominations:

[Page: D260]   GPO's PDF

Pamela J. H. Slutz, of Texas, to be Ambassador to Mongolia.
Eric M. Javits, of New York, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as United States Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
40 Army nominations in the rank of general.
7 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral.

Pages S4041-42

Messages From the House:

Page S3991

Measures Referred:

Pages S3991-92

Executive Communications:

Pages S3992-93

Executive Reports of Committees:

Page S3993

Additional Cosponsors:

Pages S3994-95

Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:

Pages S3995-S4021

Additional Statements:

Pages S3988-91

Amendments Submitted:

Pages S4021-30

Authority for Committees to Meet:

Pages S4030-31

Privilege of the Floor:

Page S4031

Record Vote: Two record votes were taken today. (Total--60)

Pages S3954, S3964

Adjournment: Senate met at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned at 9:15 p.m., until 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 20, 2003. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S4041.)

Committee Meetings

(Committees not listed did not meet)

APPROPRIATIONS: HHS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies concluded hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Health and Human Services, after receiving testimony from Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

ARMY POSTURE

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense concluded hearings to examine the Posture of the United States Army, focusing on the power of new technologies, different organizations, and revitalized leader development initiatives, after receiving testimony from Thomas E. White, Secretary of the Army, and Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, Chief of Staff of the Army, both of the Department of Defense.

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support concluded hearings to examine proposed legislation authorizing funds for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Defense, focusing on acquisition policy and outsourcing issues, after receiving testimony from Edward C. Aldridge, Jr., Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, General Accounting Office; Angela B. Styles, Administrator, Office of Federal Procurement Policy, Office of Management and Budget; Stan Z. Soloway, Professional Services Council, Arlington, VA; and Bobby L. Harnage, Sr., American Federation of Government Employees (AFL-CIO), Washington, D.C.

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION: NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Personnel concluded hearings to examine proposed legislation authorizing funds for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Defense, focusing on the National Guard and Reserve military and civilian personnel programs, after receiving testimony from Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Bob Hollingsworth, Executive Director, National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs; Major General Raymond F. Rees, ARNG, Acting Chief, National Guard Bureau; Lieutenant General Roger C. Schultz, ARNG, Director, Army National Guard; Lieutenant General Daniel James III, ANG, Director, Air National Guard; Lieutenant General James R. Helmly, USAR, Chief, Army Reserve; Vice Admiral John B. Totushek, USNR, Chief, Naval Reserve; Lieutenant General Dennis M. McCarthy, USMCR, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve; and Major General John J. Batbie, Jr., USAFR, Vice Chief of Air Force Reserve.

NONPROLIFERATION PROGRAMS

Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded hearings to examine nonproliferation policies and programs of the Department of State, focusing on curbing the supply of material, equipment, and technology for weapons of mass destruction and missiles to proliferators or terrorists, persuading states seeking to acquire weapons of mass destruction and missiles to cease those efforts, maintaining and strengthening the international system of nonproliferation treaties and regimes, promoting international nuclear cooperation under the highest nonproliferation and D261safety standards, and containing the transfer of advanced conventional arms to states of concern, and terrorists, after receiving testimony from John S. Wolf, Assistant Secretary of Nonproliferation, and Richard J.K. Stratford, Director, Office of Nuclear Energy Affairs, Bureau of Nonproliferation, both of the Department of State; and Rose E. Gottemoeller, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Charles B. Curtis, Nuclear Threat Initiative, and Amy E. Smithson, Henry L. Stimson Center, all of Washington, D.C.

[Page: D261]   GPO's PDF

CHINA

Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs concluded hearings to examine the effects and consequences of the economic emergence of China and presence in U.S. capital markets, focusing on its role as a strategic power in East Asia, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Korean peninsula, free trade and national security, after receiving testimony from Randall G. Schriver, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Charles Freeman, Deputy Assistant, U.S. Trade Representative; Robert A. Kapp, United States-China Business Council, Hilary Rosen, Recording Industry Association of America, Larry M. Wortzel, Heritage Foundation, and David M. Lampton, Nixon Center, all of Washington, D.C.

BUSINESS MEETING

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee ordered favorably reported the following business items:
An original bill, to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable and high-quality respite care;
An original bill, to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the Food and Drug Administration to require certain research into drugs used in pediatric patients;
S. 15, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the payment of compensation for certain individuals with injuries resulting from the administration of smallpox countermeasures, to provide protections and countermeasures against chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents that may be used in a terrorist attack against the United States, and to improve immunization rates by increasing the distribution of vaccines and improving and clarifying the vaccine injury compensation program, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and
The nominations of Karen Lias Wolff, of Michigan, Mary Costa, of Tennessee, and Jerry Pinkney and Makoto Fujimura, both of New York, each to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts.

ENERGY RESOURCES ON INDIAN LANDS

Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded hearings to examine S. 424, to establish, reauthorize, and improve energy programs relating to Indian tribes, and S. 522, to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to assist Indian tribes in developing energy resources, after receiving testimony from Theresa Rosier, Counselor to the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs; Vicky Bailey, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy and International Affairs; Arvin Trujillo, Navajo Nation, Window Rock, Arizona; Vernon Hill, Eastern Shoshone Business Council, Fort Washakie, Wyoming; Sam Maynes, Southern Ute Tribal Council, Ignacio, Colorado; A. David Lester and Victor Roubidoux, both of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes, Denver, Colorado; and Robert P. Gough, Intertribal Council on Utility Policy, Rosebud, South Dakota.

REPRODUCTIVE CLONING

Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded hearings to examine the ethical issues of human cloning, focusing on both reproductive cloning and the use of nuclear transplantation in research with human stem cells, after receiving testimony from Senator Brownback; Representative Langevin; Leon Kass, American Enterprise Institute, Chicago, Illinois; Thomas H. Murray, The Hastings Center, Garrison, New York; Harold Varmus, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Anton-Lewis Usala, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina; Micheline M. Mathews-Roth, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Paul Berg, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California; Greg Wasson, Cotati, California, on behalf of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research; and James Kelly, Granbury, Texas.

SECRETARY OF THE SENATE/ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded oversight hearings to examine the operations of the offices of the Secretary of the Senate and the Architect of the Capitol, after receiving testimony from Emily J. Reynolds, Secretary of the Senate; and Alan M. Hantman, Architect of the Capitol, who were both accompanied by several of their associates.

House of Representatives

[Page: D262]   GPO's PDF

Chamber Action

Measures Introduced: 26 public bills, H.R. 1345-1370; 1 private bill, H.R. 1371; and 4 resolutions, H. Con. Res. 101-102, and H. Res. 149-150, were introduced.

Pages H2130-32

Additional Cosponsors:

Page H2132

Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows:
H. Res. 151, providing for consideration of H. Con. Res. 95, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2004 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2003 and 2005 through 2013 (H. Rept. 108-44); and
H. Res. 152, waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules (H. Rept. 108-45).

Page H2130

Guest Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest Chaplain, Rev. Willie Davis, Pastor, Second Baptist Church of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Page H1957

Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002: The Speaker announced that he is in receipt of a report from the President pursuant to the Use of Force Resolution approved by Congress last year (107th Congress, H.J. Res. 114, Public Law 107-243). He stated that the report summarizes diplomatic and other peaceful means pursued by the United States, cooperating with foreign countries and international organizations to obtain Iraqi compliance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. He further stated that, pursuant to House Rule 12, he will refer the report to the Committee on International Relations and submit the document in its entirety, for printing into the Congressional Record (H. Doc. 108-50).

Pages H1957-60

Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following measures:
Mortgage Servicing Clarification Act: Debated on March 18, H.R. 314, to amend the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to exempt mortgage servicers from certain requirements of the Act with respect to federally related mortgage loans secured by a first lien (agreed to by 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 424 yeas with none voting ``nay,'' Roll No. 68);

Pages H1988-89, H1989

Cibola Wildlife Refuge Boundary Correction: H.R. 417, to revoke a Public Land Order with respect to certain lands erroneously included in the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, California (agreed to by 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 424 yeas with none voting ``nay,'' Roll No. 69);

Pages H1962-63, H1989-90

Rathdrum Prairie/Spokane Valley Aquifer Study: H.R. 699, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive study of the Rathdrum Prairie/Spokane Valley Aquifer, located in Idaho and Washington (agreed to by 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 414 yeas to 6 nays, Roll No. 70);

Pages H1963, H1990

San Gabriel River Watershed Study: H.R. 519, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the San Gabriel River Watershed;

Pages H1963-64

Tax Relief, Simplification, and Equity Act: H.R.1308, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end certain abusive tax practices, to provide tax relief and simplification.

Pages H1970-76

Suspensions--Proceedings Postponed: The House postponed further proceedings until tomorrow, March 20 on the following motions to suspend the rules that were debated today:
Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act: H.R. 1307, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a special rule for members of the uniformed services in determining the exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence and to restore the tax exempt status of death gratuity payments to members of the uniformed services; and

Pages H1964-70

Urging that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance be Overturned: H. Res. 132, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Newdow v. United States Congress is inconsistent with the Supreme Court's interpretation of the first amendment and should be overturned.

Pages H1976-81

Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act: The House passed H.R. 975, to amend title 11 of the United States Code by yea-and-nay vote of 315 yeas to 113 nays with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 74.

Pages H1991-H2100

Rejected the Jackson-Lee motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith with an amendment that inserts Sec. 220A, protecting alimony and child support payments from competition with new creditor entitlements by a recorded vote of 150 ayes to 276 noes with 1 voting ``present'', Roll No. 73.

Pages H2097-99

Pursuant to the rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill (H. Rept. 108-40 Part 1) was considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment.

Page H1999

Agreed To:

[Page: D263]   GPO's PDF

Toomey amendment No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 108-42 that revises Title IX, Financial Contract Provisions to include banks and credit unions;

Pages H2046-51

Guiterrez amendment No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 108-42 that specifies that Section 1234, Involuntary Cases, shall apply with respect to cases commenced under Title 11 of the United States Code before, on, and after enactment;

Page H2055

Cannon amendment No. 3 printed in H. Rept. 108-42 that increases the monetary cap on wage and employee benefit claims entitled to priority under the bankruptcy code, strengthens provisions dealing with fraud, and requires the reinstatement of retiree benefits that are modified within 180 days period preceding the filing unless equity balances justify the modification.

Pages H2151-53

Rejected:
Sherman amendment No. 4 printed in H. Rept. 108-42 that sought to require corporations to file a bankruptcy case in the district where their principal place of business is located (rejected by recorded vote of 155 ayes to 269 noes with 1 voting ``present,'' Roll No. 71); and

Pages H2053-55, H2095-96

Nadler amendment in the nature of a substitute No. 5 printed in H. Rept. 108-42 that among other provisions, sought to modify the means test and require the court, in considering a motion to dismiss or convert a Chapter 7 case, to consider the debtor's actual reasonable and necessary expenses and income (rejected by a recorded vote of 128 ayes to 296 noes with 1 voting ``present,'' Roll No. 72).

Pages H2055-95, H2096-97

Agreed to the unanimous consent request made by Representative Gutierrez that he be permitted to offer amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 107-42 out of numerical sequence.

Page H2055

The Clerk was authorized to make technical corrections and conforming changes in the engrossment of the bill.

Page H2100

The House agreed to H. Res. 147, the rule that provided for consideration of the bill by voice vote.

Pages H1981-88

Presidential Messages: Read the following messages from the President:
National Emergency Re National Union for the Total Independence of Angola: Message wherein he transmitted a 6 month report on the national emergency with respect to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) that was declared in Executive order 12865 of September 26, 1993--referred to the Committee on International Relations;

Page H2100

Federal Ocean and Coastal Activities Report: Message wherein he transmitted the first biennial Federal Ocean and Coastal Activities Report--referred to the Committees on Resources, Science, and Transportation and Infrastructure; and

Page H2100

United States Participation in the United Nations: Message wherein he transmitted a report on the participation of the United States in the United Nations and its affiliated agencies during calendar year 2002--referred to the Committee on International Relations.

Page H2118

Recess: The House recessed at 9:50 p.m. and reconvened at 10:37 p.m.

Page H2129

Senate Message: Message received from the Senate today appears on page H1957.

Referral: S. 628 was referred to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Science.

Page H2129

Quorum Calls--Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and three recorded votes developed during the proceedings of the House today and appear on pages H1989, H1989-90, H1990, H2095-96, H2096-97, H2098-99, and H2099-H2100. There were no quorum calls.

Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and adjourned at 10:38 p.m.

Committee Meetings

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FDA AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related Agencies held a hearing on Rural Development. Testimony was heard from Tom Dorr, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA.

DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense met in executive session to hold a hearing on Fiscal Year 2004 National Foreign Intelligence Program. Testimony was heard from John Dempsey, Deputy Director, CIA.
The Subcommittee also held a hearing on Fiscal Year 2004 Air Force Budget Overview. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Air Force: James G. Roche, Secretary; and Gen. John P. Jumper, USAF, Chief of Staff.

ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

[Page: D264]   GPO's PDF

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development met in executive session to hold a hearing on Department of Energy: National Nuclear Security Administration. Testimony was heard from Ambassador Linton Brooks, Under Secretary, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy.

INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Interior held a hearing on National Park Service. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of the Interior, National Park Service: Fran Mainella, Director; Don Murphy, Deputy Director; and Bruce Sheaffer, Comptroller.

LABOR, HHS, EDUCATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education held a hearing on Department of Education Panel: ``Vocational, Adult and Postsecondary Education'' programs. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Education: Carol D'Amico, Assistant Secretary, Office of Vocational and Adult Education; and Sally Stroup, Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary Education.

TRANSPORTATION AND TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, and Independent Agencies held a hearing on Director, Office of Management and Budget. Testimony was heard from Mitchell Daniels, Jr., Director, OMB.

VA AND HUD, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS

Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies held a hearing on Department of Housing and Urban Development. Testimony was heard from Mel Martinez, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

SPACE PROGRAMS

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Strategic Forces held a hearing on space programs in the fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization budget request. Testimony was heard from Peter B. Teets, Under Secretary, Air Force, Department of Defense.

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL THREAT

Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities held a hearing on Department of Defense efforts to address the chemical and biological threat. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Dale Klein, Assistant to the Secretary (Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense); Anthony J. Tether, Director, Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency; Stephen M. Younger, Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Brig. Gen. Stephen Reeves, USA, Joint Program Executive Officer, Chemical and Biological Defense Program, Brig. Gen. Stephen Goldfein, USAF, Director, Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, J-8, The Joint Staff.

MILITARY PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

Committee on Armed Forces: Subcommittee on Total Force held a hearing on domestic violence, Joint Officer Management and education reform, employer support of the Guard and Reserve, Reserve pay and benefits, and Department of Defense Active and Reserve Components Force Mix Study. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Lt. Gen. Garry L. Parks, USMC, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, USMC, Co-Chair, Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence; and Charles Abell, Principle Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; Derek B. Stewart, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management, GAO; Deborah D. Tucker, Executive Director, National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, Co-Chair, Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence; and public witnesses.

U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE'S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled ``Does the U.S. Olympic Committee's Organizational Structure Impede its Mission?'' Testimony was heard from Senator Campbell, Representative Ryun of Kansas; officials of the U.S. Olympic Committee; and a public witness.

ENERGY POLICY ACT

Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality approved for full Committee action the Energy Policy Act.

DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT REAUTHORIZATION

Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology began markup of H.R. 1280, Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2003.
Subcommittee recessed subject to call.
Prior to this action, the Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1280. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of Commerce: Kenneth I. Juster, Under Secretary, and Karan K. Bhatia, Deputy Under Secretary, both with Industry and Security; Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security; and the following officials of the Department of Defense: Suzanne D. Patrick, Deputy Under Secretary, Industrial Policy; and Ronald M. Sega, Director, Defense Research and Engineering.

[Page: D265]   GPO's PDF

MIDDLE EAST PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE

Committee on International Relations: Subcommittee on Middle East and Central Asia held a hearing on the Middle East Partnership Initiative: Promoting Democratization in a Troubled Region. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Department of State: William Burns, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs; and Wendy Chamberlin, Assistant Administrator, Asia and the Near East, AID.

OVERSIGHT--ENHANCING AMERICA'S ENERGY SECURITY

Committee on Resources: Held an oversight hearing on Enhancing America's Energy Security. Testimony was heard from Rebecca Watson, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management, Department of the Interior; Carl Michael Smith, Assistant Secretary, Fossil Energy, Department of Energy; Hunt Downer, Representative, State of Louisiana; and public witnesses.

OVERSIGHT--NOAA AND U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUDGET REQUESTS

Committee on Resources: Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans held an oversight hearing on the Administration's Fiscal Year budget requests for NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Testimony was heard from Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, USN (Ret.), Under Secretary, Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA, Department of Commerce; and Steven A. Williams, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a structured rule on H. Con. Res. 95, establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2004 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2003 and 2005 through 2013, providing three hours of general debate with two hours equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget and one hour on economic goals and policies equally divided and controlled by Representative Saxton and Representative Stark. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the concurrent resolution. The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a substitute specified in part A of the Rules Committee report accompanying the resolution shall be considered as adopted in the House and in the Committee of the Whole. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in part B of the Rules Committee report which may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for one hour equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to amendment. The rule waives all points of order against the amendments printed in the report, except that the adoption of a further amendment in the nature of a substitute shall constitute the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment. The rule provides, upon the conclusion of consideration of the concurrent resolution for amendment, for a final period of general debate not to exceed 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget. The rule permits the chairman of the Budget Committee to offer amendments in the House to achieve mathematical consistency. Finally, the rule provides that the concurrent resolution shall not be subject to a demand for a division of the question of its adoption. Testimony was heard from Chairman Nussle and Representatives Toomey, Spratt, Hooley, Moore, Scott of Virginia, Skelton, Stenholm, Owens, Allen, Bishop of New York, Marshall and Michaud.

SAME DAY CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN RESOLUTIONS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULES

Committee on Rules: Granted, by voice vote, a resolution waiving clause 6(a) of rule XIII (requiring a two-thirds vote to consider a rule on the same day it is reported from the Rules Committee) against certain resolutions reported from the Rules Committee. The resolution applies the waiver to any special rule reported on the legislative day of March 20, 2003, providing for the consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 95) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2004 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2003 and 2005 through 2013.

NANOTECHNOLOGY R&D; ACTIVITIES

Committee on Science: Held a hearing on federal nanotechnology research and development activities, D266with emphasis on H.R. 766, Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003. Testimony was heard from Senators Allen and Wyden; Richard M. Russell, Associate Director, Technology, Office of Science and Technology Policy; James Roberto, Associate Laboratory Director, Physical Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and public witnesses.

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MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management approved for full Committee action the following: Fiscal Year GSA lease resolutions; two GSA amending resolutions; H.R. 281, to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as the ``Tony Hall Federal Building and United States Courthouse;'' H. Con. Res. 53, amended, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby; and H. Con. Res. 96, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on Meeting the Nation's Wastewater Infrastructure Needs. Testimony was heard from Larry S. Coffman, Associate Director, Department of Environmental Resources, Prince Georges County, State of Maryland; and public witnesses.

PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES--AVAILABILITY AND ELIGIBILITY

Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the availability and eligibility for pharmaceutical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Testimony was heard from Representatives Evans, Lynch, Mica and Wicker; and Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

CIA PROGRAM

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in executive session to hold a hearing on CIA Program. Testimony was heard from departmental witnesses.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY,

MARCH 20, 2003

(Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)

Senate

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Vernon Bernard Parker, of Arizona, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, 10:30 a.m., SR-328A.
Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary, to hold hearings to examine the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Commerce, 10 a.m., S-146, Capitol.

Subcommittee on Interior, to hold hearings to examine the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 10 a.m., SD-124.

Subcommittee on VA, HUD, and Independent Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2004 for the Environmental Protection Agency, 10 a.m., SD-138.
Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine proposed legislation authorizing funds for fiscal year 2004 for the Department of Defense, focusing on atomic energy defense activities of the Department of Energy, 9:30 a.m., SH-216.
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to hold hearings to examine issues related to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's proposed rule on the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, 9:30 a.m., SD-538.
Committee on Environment and Public Works: Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change, and Nuclear Safety, to hold hearings to examine proposed legislation amending the Clean Air Act regarding fuel additives and renewable fuels, 9:30 a.m., SD-406.
Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to examine how to make embassies safer in areas of conflict, 2:30 p.m., S-116, Capitol.
Committee on Governmental Affairs: to hold hearings to examine possible terrorist threats on cargo containers, 9:30 a.m., SD-342.
Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider pending calendar business, 9:30 a.m., SD-226.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs: to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine legislative presentations of AMVETS, American Ex-Prisoners of War, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Military Officers Association of America, and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans' Affairs, 10 a.m., 345, Cannon Building.
Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine Medicare, focusing on prescription drugs, 10:30 a.m., SD-562.

House

Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, on Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, 9:30 a.m., 2362A Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State and The Judiciary, and Related Agencies, on Secretary of State, 10 a.m., and on DEA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 2 p.m., 2358 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Defense, on Fiscal Year 2004 Navy/Marine Corps Budget Overview, 9:30 a.m., 2212 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, on Department of Energy: Nuclear Waste Management and Disposal, 10 a.m., 2362B Rayburn.

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Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Secretary of Homeland Security, 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, on Secretary of Health and Human Services, 10:15 a.m., 2358 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies, on Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, 10 a.m., and on Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 11 a.m., H-143 Capitol.
Committee on Armed Services, hearing on the 2004 fiscal year defense authorization budget request for Ballistic Missile Defense programs, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Readiness, to continue hearings on the state of military readiness and review of the fiscal year 2004 Defense Authorization budget request, 3 p.m., 2118 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, hearing on the fiscal year 2004 national defense authorization budget request, 11:30 a.m., 2118 Rayburn.
Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness, to mark up H.R. 1261, Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003, 10 a.m., 2175 Rayburn.
Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, hearing on ``HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria: Combating a Global Pandemic,'' 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn.
Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, to consider H.R. 658, Accountant, Compliance, and Enforcement Staffing Act of 2003, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn.
Committee on Government Reform, hearing on ``Breaking Fumes: A Decade of Failure in Energy Department Acquisitions;'' followed by consideration of H.R. 1346, to amend the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to provide an additional function of the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy relating to encouraging Federal procurement policies that enhance energy efficiency, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn.
Committee on International Relations, to mark up H.R. 1298, United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, 11:15 a.m., 2172 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, hearing on the U.S. and South Asia: Challenges and Opportunities for American policy, 1 p.m., 2172 Rayburn.
Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on the Constitution, to mark up H.J. Res. 22, proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 10 a.m., 2237 Rayburn.

Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, to mark up the following bills: H.R. 1302, Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2003; and H.R. 1303, to amend the E-Government Act of 2002 with respect to rulemaking authority of the Judicial Conference, 1 p.m., 2141 Rayburn.
Committee on Small Business, hearing entitled ``Changes to SBA Financing Programs Needed for Revitalization of Small Manufacturers,'' 9:30 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation, to consider a motion to go into executive session to hold a hearing on Protecting Commercial Aircraft from the Threat of Missile Attacks, 9:30 a.m., 2253 Rayburn.
Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health, to mark up H.R. 810, Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act of 2003, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth.

Subcommittee on Human Resources, hearing to Review State Use of Federal Unemployment Funds, 1 p.m., B-318 Rayburn.
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, hearing on National Imagery and Mapping Agency Program, 1 p.m., H-405 Capitol.

Joint Meetings

Joint Meetings: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to hold joint hearings with the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to examine legislative presentations of AMVETS, American Ex-Prisoners of War, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Military Officers Association of America, and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans' Affairs, 10 a.m., 345 Cannon Building.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE
9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 20
Senate Chamber

Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consideration of S. Con. Res. 23, Congressional Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2004.
At 4 p.m., Senate will begin a series of votes on Kyl Modified Amendment No. 288, Dorgan Amendment No. 294, and Rockefeller Amendment No. 275, respectively.

Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
10 a.m., Thursday, March 20
House Chamber

Program for Thursday: Consideration of H. Con. Res. 95, Budget Resolution for Fiscal year 2004 (structured rule, three hours of debate); and
Consideration of H.R. 1104, Child Abduction Prevention Act (unanimous consent).

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE

Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E511

Brown, Sherrod, Ohio, E514

Brown-Waite, Ginny, Fla., E513

Cubin, Barbara, Wyo., E514

Davis, Susan A., Calif., E519

Deutsch, Peter, Fla., E511, E515

Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E518, E519, E520, E521, E522, E523

Etheridge, Bob, N.C., E513

Fossella, Vito, N.Y., E515

Frost, Martin, Tex., E512

Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E513, E518, E521

Hyde, Henry J., Ill., E515

John, Christopher, La., E519, E521

Kanjorski, Paul E., Pa., E522

Kennedy, Patrick J., R.I., E521

Lee, Barbara, Calif., E512

McInnis, Scott, Colo., E518, E519, E520

McIntyre, Mike, N.C., E523

Norton, Eleanor Holmes, D.C., E513, E522

Oberstar, James L., Minn., E512

Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E516

Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E514

Shuster, Bill, Pa., E514

Slaughter, Louise McIntosh, N.Y., E518

Taylor, Charles H., N.C., E515

Towns, Edolphus, N.Y., E511, E517

Wicker, Roger F., Miss., E520

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